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- Every Pregnancy Is a Unique Journey
by Lisa Harper
Updated: March 20, 2020
Originally Published: April 8, 2016
I used to be that expectant mother everyone secretly envied. I sailed through my first pregnancy with no morning sickness, minimal weight gain, and a radiant glow that made me feel unstoppable. I exercised regularly, and my noticeable baby bump was the only hint of the little life growing inside me. I cherished every moment and was almost reluctant to give birth, not fully grasping why so many women struggled with their pregnancies. Yep, I was that glowing mom.
Fast forward three years to my second pregnancy. While I again avoided morning sickness, I now had a lively 3-year-old in the mix, which felt like its own kind of challenge! I still gained the ideal 30 pounds, managed to squeeze in some exercise, and retained my glow. However, this time around, the experience was slightly less enjoyable. We moved houses halfway through my pregnancy, and I was undoubtedly ready to meet my baby by the nine-month mark.
Then came my third pregnancy, which had its own surprises. Morning sickness was absent, but I did experience some fleeting nausea early on. I was aware of women who faced daily bouts of vomiting throughout their pregnancies, so I felt fortunate. However, as I entered the second trimester, something changed. I started to feel a painful sensation in my pelvic area. It wasn’t a burning or irritating feeling; it was a sharp pain reminiscent of an unfortunate biking accident—like I’d hit my pubic bone hard. It hurt when I tried to get out of bed or slide into the car, and standing, walking, or sitting for too long became agonizing.
As the weeks rolled on, the discomfort worsened. My doctor dismissed it as regular pregnancy aches, but I wasn’t convinced. I was familiar with the sharp, fleeting round ligament pain and the pressure of baby weight, but this was different. It felt like I had been dealt a severe blow to my pubic bone.
Desperate for answers, I turned to Dr. Internet and discovered a wealth of women sharing similar experiences. I learned I was dealing with a condition called SPD—symphysis pubis dysfunction. Though it sounds like something you’d rather not catch, SPD is a painful condition where the pelvic ligaments relax too much, leading to painful separation of the pubic bones. It’s excruciating during everyday activities like lifting, walking, or even just sitting comfortably.
By month five, I found myself relying on those motorized shopping carts at the grocery store, despite not looking overtly pregnant. I imagined onlookers questioning why I couldn’t stroll around for a mere 15 minutes when I appeared fit and healthy. What could I say? “Oh, my pelvic area is in agony today—thanks for asking!”
As my due date approached, I was more than ready to give birth. I gained an extra 10 pounds due to my inability to stay active, and my face became puffy. Most notably, I had transformed from that blissful pregnant lady to a member of the Pregnancy Misery Club. I finally understood the frustrations that so many women expressed about their experiences.
Now, when I hear a mom say she can’t keep anything down or feels utterly miserable, I empathize. If you know someone who’s struggling with pregnancy, extend a listening ear and offer your support. Pregnancy experiences can vary drastically, so let’s uplift one another rather than compare stories. If you’re interested in understanding more about pregnancy, check out resources like March of Dimes for week-by-week guidance. And for those considering at-home options, Make a Mom is a great authority on the topic. For any questions related to home insemination, feel free to visit this link to stay engaged with our content.
In summary, every pregnancy is a distinct journey, filled with its own set of challenges and triumphs. Let’s embrace our differences and support one another through the ups and downs of this miraculous experience.